Explore seafaring history at Harwich, the ancient hilltop town of Maldon is The ancient Royal Charter Town it is situated on the River Blackwater. This was an early Saxon settlement and in the year 991 the famous Battle of Maldon took place between the Saxons and
the Vikings, Today it is the yachting centre of Brightlingsea and Burnham-on-Crouch. For seaside fun, try the sandy beaches, pretty gardens and fun-packed piers at Clacton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze
and Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy a cream tea at jam-making Tiptree, or a plate of cockles at quaint Leigh-on-Sea. Whilst shop-oholics will love the Lakeside Shopping Centre at Thurrock.
The historic town of Chelmsford was Founded in 1199 it is the birthplace of radio. Head south west to explore Epping Forest is one of Europe's oldest forests and is one of Britain's largest. It was
once a vast hunting reserve for Saxon, Norman and Tudor kings. The forest is about 11 miles long by about 1.5 miles at its widest point and contains some of the oldest trees in Europe it was the haunt
of highwayman Dick Turpin, Waltham Abbey is home to one of the country's most outstanding Norman buildings.
Saffron Walden is noted for its pargetted buildings, turf maze and magnificent Audley End House. Head east to visit picture postcard villages, medieval Thaxted and Castle Hedingham´s 12th C. keep.
Halstead and Coggeshall are great for antique hunting, or explore Braintree - which grew rich from its wool/silk trades. The oldest recorded town is Colchester, home to a superb Norman castle keep,
Roman remains and great shopping. To the north is pretty Constable Country (Dedham) and Manningtree, home of the 17th C. Witch finder General, Matthew Hopkins. Essex is a county of gently rolling countryside and winding lanes. It has England's oldest recorded town, the largest Norman Keep ever built, the largest surviving Roman gateway in Britain, a wealth
of fine Medieval buildings, a 1300 year old Saxon chapel, an amazing variety of churches and Dedham Vale - home of John Constable
